Spirit vs flesh In the experience of life, it is common to only see the outward circumstances and personalities involved without ever acknowledging how those things are influenced by the realm of the spirit. Choices made and paths taken are seen from an outward perspective that only impacts personal feelings and thoughts. There is, however, an effect being received and imparted in a spiritual way that has a much greater influence upon life. More than just a natural cause and effect, there is a triumph of either the flesh or the spirit. The flesh is continually desiring things that our spirit or conscience resists. This may be a desire to consume something that is not healthy, look at something that is evil, talk about something that is derogatory, obtain something that will own the heart, be with someone that leads to transgression, react in anger, etc. Whenever the choice is made to go ahead with one of these, the flesh has won with its demands. From childhood a pattern is developed that follows either the flesh or the conscience in these various aspects of life. With each compromise of the spirit there is a way made to the continued triumph of the flesh in determining where the soul will go. Though there is often little awareness of this process, much of daily life is participation in this spiritual conflict. As we are more aware of feelings and thoughts, the spirit or the heart is not perceived to lose out in any way. However, following the passions of the flesh has devastating consequences both in the natural and eternally spiritual realms. From the Father’s love came a law meant to deal with this competition by giving the Spirit a voice in controlling the flesh. This law, however, was proven to be beyond compliance and made obvious the need for another solution. In Jesus all the requirements of that law were fulfilled in the death of His flesh. Everything it could demand no longer exists. However, everything it was intended to accomplish was also fulfilled as a new spirit was created for all who walk in His Spirit. In Him is complete freedom from the demands of the flesh and their devastating consequences. In Him is total triumph of spirit over flesh, and service of that flesh for His glory. Notes All is not as it seems. From our first breath, there is a conflict for the prize of our souls. Though we are a spirit, it is our feelings and thoughts that get all the attention and focus. The flesh leads to compromise and demise, while the spirit, or conscience, is leading to righteousness and blessing. If only: the spirit was undefeated. God’s Part It’s not as it seems – the competition is a spiritual one. Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV) 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Romans 1 – in our design is a spirit that knows better. Kenneth E Hagin – “Feeling is the voice of the body; reasoning is the voice of the mind; conscience is the voice of the spirit. Following the flesh leads to death. Romans 6:23 (NKJV) 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The purpose of the law – overcome the flesh by giving voice to the spirit – imposing consequences. Problem – still bound in the flesh. Romans 7:23 (NKJV) 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. To believe in Christ – is to become a newly created spirit that is one with the Spirit. Romans 8:1-9 (NKJV) 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. Our Part A W Tozer – “The Spirit-filled life is not a special, deluxe edition of Christianity. It is part and parcel of the total plan of God for His people.” Walking in the Spirit – inevitable makeover Galatians 5:16-25 (NKJV) 16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Be aware and prepared 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV) 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Recognize the spirit side and overcome with the Word 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NKJV) 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, Be continually filled, with a purpose Ephesians 5:18 (NKJV) 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, John Stott – “…The first and great evidence of our walking by the Spirit or being filled with the Sprit is not some private mystical experience of our own , but our practical relationships of love with other people.”